Communication apparatus, communication method, program, and communication system

ABSTRACT

A CCI (I3C SDR) processing section determines status of an index when requested to be accessed by an I3C master for a read operation. An error handling section then controls an I3C slave  13  to detect occurrence of an error based on the status of the index and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the I3C master, the I3C slave  13  being further controlled to send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the I3C master. This technology can be applied to the I3C bus, for example.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, a program, and a communication system. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, a program, and a communication system for performing communication more reliably.

Background Art

In the past, the CCI (Camera Control Interface) has been used extensively as the bus IF (Interface) for controlling registers in various devices. With the CCI, the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol has been adopted for the physical layer. Also in recent years, there has been a demand for higher speeds under the I2C, with an I3C (Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol being worked out and revised as a next-generation protocol.

For example, the I2C and I3C protocols are configured to let a master having governing authority over communication via the bus IF communicate with a slave connected with the bus IF and controlled by the master. The I3C protocol further provides a function to maintain compatibility with I2C devices, a function called Hot-Join to let a slave join the bus IF partway through during activity, and a function to have master authority assigned from one master to another among multiple masters.

Also, PTL 1 discloses a communication apparatus capable of performing more reliable communication by defining an error detection method under the I3C protocol in such a manner as to avoid the unavailability of communication due to erroneous detection of a start or a stop of communication.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1]

PCT Patent Publication No. WO2017/061330

SUMMARY Technical Problem

Incidentally, whereas the I2C and the CCI hierarchically above the I2C have no definition of a function to detect errors, the I3C protocol defines an error detection method and an error recovery method. However, in a case where there occurs an index error or a FIFO (First In, First Out) overflow for example, as will be discussed later, there is fear that communication may not be performed normally. Thus there has been a demand for countermeasures to be taken against such errors so that communication will be performed more reliably.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides arrangements for performing communication more reliably.

Solution to Problem

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus. The subordinate communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to determine whether or not the index is in an undefined state when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer error handling section configured to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Also according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication method for use with a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication method includes causing the subordinate communication apparatus to determine whether or not the index is in an undefined state when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus, and causing the subordinate communication apparatus to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus. The low-level layer is further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Also according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus performing communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication process includes causing the computer to determine whether or not the index is in an undefined state when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus, and causing the computer to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus. The low-level layer is further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Thus according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is determined whether or not the index is in an undefined state when the governing communication apparatus issues a read access request. The low-level layer is commanded to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state, to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, and to always send a NACK response when per forming acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner. The governing communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

Also according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication method for use with a communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication method includes causing the governing communication apparatus to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

Also according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication process includes causing the computer to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

Thus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of the NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus, the index inside is cleared and brought into the undefined state.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, and a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication in a manner connected with and controlled by the governing communication apparatus. The subordinate communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to determine whether or not the index is in an undefined state when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer error handling section configured to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus. The governing communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the subordinate communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

Thus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is determined whether or not the index is in an undefined state when the governing communication apparatus issues a read access request. The low-level layer is commanded to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the index is in the undefined state, to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, and to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus. On the other hand, in the case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus, the index inside is cleared and brought into the undefined state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus. The subordinate communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to determine whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation, and a high-level layer error handling section configured to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Also according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication method for use with a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication method includes causing the subordinate communication apparatus to determine whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation, and causing the subordinate communication apparatus to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Also according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus performing communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication process includes causing the computer to determine whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation, and causing the computer to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

Thus according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, it is determined whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation. The low-level layer is commanded to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus. The low-level layer is further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner. The governing communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the high-level layer communication processing section being further configured in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before sending a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error. Alternatively, the low-level layer of the governing communication apparatus may be configured to detect the error. In this case, the low-level layer notifies the high-level layer of the governing communication apparatus that the index is to be cleared.

Also according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication method for use with a communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication method includes causing the governing communication apparatus to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the governing communication apparatus being further caused in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before sending a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

Also according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The communication process includes causing the computer to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the computer being further caused in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before sending a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

Thus according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the case of receiving the read data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, an error is detected, the index is cleared, and communication is stopped before a restart or a stop is sent so as to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, and a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication in a manner connected with and controlled by the governing communication apparatus. The subordinate communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to determine whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation, and a high-level layer error handling section configured to command the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus. The governing communication apparatus includes a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus, and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index. The high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the high-level layer communication processing section being further configured in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before sending a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error. Alternatively, the low-level layer of the governing communication apparatus may be configured to detect the error. In this case, the low-level layer notifies the high-level layer of the governing communication apparatus that the index is to be cleared.

Thus according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is determined whether or not reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation. The low-level layer is commanded to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the determination that the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes has been received and to neglect all communication until communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus. The low-level layer is further commanded to always send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus. On the other hand, in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, an error is detected, the index is cleared, and communication is stopped before a restart or a stop is sent so as to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error. Alternatively, the low-level layer of the governing communication apparatus may be configured to detect the error. In this case, the low-level layer notifies the high-level layer of the governing communication apparatus that the index is to be cleared.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the first through the sixth aspects of the present disclosure, communication is performed more reliably.

The advantageous effects outlined above are not limitative of the present disclosure. Further advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an embodiment of an I3C bus to which the present technology is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an I3C communication system that uses the I3C bus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an I3C (SDR) processing section in an I3C slave.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an I3C (DDR) processing section in the I3C slave.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining communication processing performed by an I3C layer on the side of a master.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining communication processing performed by a CCI layer on the side of the master.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining SDR communication processing performed by the CCI layer on the side of a slave.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining CCI (I3C DDR) processing performed by the CCI layer on the side of the slave.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining error handling processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart explaining SDR communication processing performed by the I3C layer on the side of the slave.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining acknowledge processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining write reception processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining CCC reception processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart explaining read reception processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining HDR start processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining I3C (DDR) processing performed by the I3C layer on the side of the slave.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart explaining DDR write processing.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart explaining DDR read processing.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining DDR acknowledge processing.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart explaining framing error handling processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart explaining parity error handling processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart explaining CRC error handling processing.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram explaining index errors.

FIG. 24 is a tabular diagram describing the definitions of an SS0 error detection method and an SS0 error recovery method.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram depicting typical SS0 error operations performed when an S2 error occurs during a random read operation.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram depicting typical SS0 error operations performed when an S2 error occurs during a random write operation.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S0 error is detected.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S1 error occurs.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S3 error occurs.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S4 error occurs.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S5 error occurs.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram depicting typical operations performed when an S6 error occurs,

FIG. 33 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an embodiment of a computer to which the present technology is applied.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Typical Configuration of the Bus IF>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an embodiment of an I3C bus to which the present, technology is applied.

An I3C bus 11 depicted in FIG. 1 is configured to have an I3C master 12 and three I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3 connected with one another via a data signal line 14 for sending serial data SDA and a clock signal line 15 for sending a serial clock signal SCL.

The I3C master 12 has governing authority over communication on the I3C bus 11. The I3C master 12 controls communication with the I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3 via the data signal line 14 and the clock signal line 15.

Under control of the I3C master 12, the I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3 perform communication via the I3C bus 11. In the ensuing description, where there is no need to distinguish each of the I3C slaves 13-1 to 13-3, they will be simply referred to as the I3C slave 13 where appropriate.

The I3C bus 11 configured as outlined above permits communication according to the I3C protocol. For example, two data transfer modes are stipulated for the I3C bus 11: SDR (Single Data Rate) mode in which data is transferred at a normal transfer rate, and HDR (High Data Rate) mode in which data is transferred at a transfer rate higher than that of SDR mode. Also, HDR mode includes three transfer modes defined by the protocol: DDR (Double Data Rate) mode, TSP (Ternary Symbol Pure-Bus) mode, and TSL (Ternary Symbol Legacy-inclusive-Bus) mode.

Also, the I3C allows for the use of CCC (Common Command Codes) to send commands to one or multiple I3C slaves 13 simultaneously and to set DAA (Dynamic Address Assignment) for dynamically assigning addresses to one or multiple I3C slaves 13.

<Typical Configuration of the I3C Communication System>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of an I3C communication system 21 that uses the I3C bus 11.

In the configuration depicted in FIG. 2 , the I3C master 12 is provided as the physical layer (low-level layer) of a master device 22. The master device 22 includes a CCI master 16 operating as a high-level layer with regard to the I3C master 12. Also, the I?C master 12 and the CCI master 16 are connected with each other via an I3C driver 17.

The I3C slave 13 is further provided as the physical layer (low-level layer) of a slave device 23. The slave device 23 includes a CCI slave 18 that is hierarchically above the I3C slave 13.

The I3C master 12 includes an error handling section 31 which, when occurrence of an error is detected, handles the error, and an ACK verifying section 32 that verifies an ACK response or a NACK response sent from the I3C slave 13 as a result of its signal acknowledge processing.

The I3C slave 13 includes an I3C (SDR) processing section 41 that performs communication processing in the physical layer when I3C communication is in SDR mode, an I3C (DDR) processing section 42 that performs communication processing in the physical layer when I3C communication is in DDR mode, and an error handling section 43 which, when occurrence of an error is detected, handles the error.

The CCI master 16 includes a CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 that performs communication processing as the high-level layer when I3C communication is in SDR mode, and a CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 that performs communication processing as the high-level layer when I3C communication is in DDR mode.

The CCI slave 18 includes a CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 that performs communication processing as the high-level layer when I3C communication is in SDR mode, a CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 that performs communication processing as the high-level layer when I3C communication is in DDR mode, and an error handling section 63 which, when occurrence of an error is detected, handles the error.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 in the I3C slave 13.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , the I1C (SDR) processing section 41 includes an acknowledge processing section 71, a write reception processing section 72, a CCC reception processing section 73, a read reception processing section 74, an HDR start processing section 75, and an error handling section 76.

The acknowledge processing section 71 performs acknowledge processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 . For example, even when the acknowledge processing section 71 operating as the I3C layer under the I3C protocol determines that an ACK response is acceptable for the I3C layer, the acknowledge processing section 71 sends a NACK response instead of the ACK response if commanded by the CCI layer to send the NACK response.

The write reception processing section 72 performs write reception processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 . For example, the write reception processing section 72 receives write data sent from the I3C master 12 and, at the time of forwarding the write data to the CCI slave 18, determines whether or not a parity error has occurred in the write data. In the case where it is determined that a parity error has occurred in the write data, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 of an S2 error indicating that a parity error has occurred in the write data.

The CCC reception processing section 73 performs CCC reception processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 . For example, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines whether or not a parity error has occurred in the CCC sent from the I3C master 12. In the case where it is determined that a parity error has occurred in the CCC, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 of an S1 error indicating that a parity error has occurred in the CCC.

The read reception processing section 74 performs read reception processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 . For example, at the time of sending via the I3C bus 11 the read data received from the CCI slave 18, the read reception processing section 74 monitors a signal on the I3C bus 11 and determines whether or not the signal matches the read data. In the case where it is determined that the signal on the I3C bus 11 fails to match the read data, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 of an S6 error indicating that the signal on the I3C bus 11 does not match the read data.

The HDR start processing section 75 performs HDR start processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 . For example, in accordance with a CCC (ENTHDRx) sent from the I3C master 12 ordering the start of HDR mode, the HDR start processing section 75 determines which of DDR mode, TSP mode, and TSL mode is to be started, and notifies the CCI slave 18 of the mode resulting from the determination.

The error handling section 76 performs various error handling processes for handling errors that may occur during the processes performed respectively by the acknowledge processing section 71, write reception processing section 72, CCC reception processing section 73, and read reception processing section 74.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a typical configuration of the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 in the I3C slave 13.

As depicted in FIG. 4 , the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 includes a DDR write processing section 81, a DDR read processing section 82, a DDR acknowledge processing section 83, and an error handling section 84.

The DDR write processing section 81 performs DDR write processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17 . For example, the DDR write processing section 81 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the write data sent from the I3C master 12 depending on data arrangements (framing), on a parity bit, or on a CRC word.

The DDR read processing section 82 performs DDR read processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18 . For example, the DDR read processing section 82 sends to the I3C master 12 the read data received from the CCI slave 18.

The DDR acknowledge processing section 83 performs DDR acknowledge processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19 . For example, even when the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 operating as the I3C layer under the I3C protocol determines that an ACK response is acceptable for the I3C layer, the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 sends a NACK response instead of the ACK response if commanded by the CCI layer to send the NACK response.

The error handling section 84 performs: framing error handling processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20 ; parity error handling processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21 ; and CRC error handling processing as will be explained later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22 . Fox example, the error handling section 84 notifies the CCI slave 18 that any one of the respective errors has occurred.

The I3C communication system 21 is configured as described above. The I3C master 12 and the I3C slave 13 communicate with each other via the I3C bus 11. The I3C master 12 controls communication in a governing manner, with the I3C slave 13 performing communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by the I3C master 12. Also in the master device 22, the CCI master 16 operates as the high-level layer and the I3C master 12 as the low-level layer in performing the communication processing. Likewise, in the slave device 23, the CCI slave 18 operates as the high-level layer and the I3C slave 13 as the low-level layer in carrying out the communication processing.

Incidentally, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 and the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 included in the CCI master 16 are implemented using software, for example. The error handling section 31 and the ACK verifying section 32 included in the I3C master 12 are implemented, for example, using hardware such as semiconductor circuits. Likewise, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61, CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62, and error handling section 63 included in the CCI slave 18 are implemented using software. The I3C (SDR) processing section 41, I3C (DDR) processing section 42, and error handling section 43 included in the I3C slave 13 are implemented using hardware such as semiconductor circuits.

<Communication Processing on the I3C Bus>

Typical communication processes performed by the I3C communication system 21 are explained below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 22 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the communication processing performed by the I3C layer on the side of the I3C master 12.

For example, the processing is started when the master device 22 is supplied with power and the I3C master 12 is activated. In step S11, under instructions from the CCI master 16, the I3C master 12 determines whether communication with the I3C slave 13 is to be performed in SDR mode or in DDR mode.

In the case where it is determined in step S11 that communication is to be performed in SDR mode, control is transferred to step S12. The I3C master 12 then performs normal communication with the I3C slave 13 in SDR mode. For example, the I3C master 12 performs SDR normal processing until the error handling section 31 detects an error, until the ACK verifying section 32 receives a NACK response, or until communication is stopped. When SDR normal processing is stopped, control is transferred to step S13.

In step S13, the I3C master 12 determines whether SDR normal processing was stopped in step S12 due to communication being stopped, due to an error being detected, or due to a NACK response being received.

In the case where it is determined in step S13 that SDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped, control is returned to step S12. The I3C master 12 then continues communication by carrying out SDR normal processing.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S13 that SDR normal processing was stopped due to an error being detected or a NACK response being received, control is transferred to step S14. The I3C master 12 then notifies the I3C driver 17 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received.

In step S15, the I3C driver 17 notifies the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 in the CCI master 16 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received. Then in step S16, the I3C driver 17 commands the I3C master 12 to perform recovery processing in accordance with a recovery method stipulated by the I3C protocol. Incidentally, the processing ranging from step S15 to step S16 may be implemented using software.

In step S17, the I3C master 12 performs recovery processing as commanded by the I3C driver 17 in step S16. Thereafter, control is returned to step S12. The similar steps are then repeated. For example, the error handling section 31 in the I3C master 12 sends a master abort followed by a stop or a restart, before resetting the error. This allows the I3C slave 13 to recover from the error.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S11 that communication is to be performed in DDR mode, control is transferred to step S18. The I3C master 12 then performs DDR normal processing in which normal communication with the I3C slave 13 is carried out in DDR mode. For example, the I3C master 12 performs DDR normal processing until the error handling section 31 detects an error, until the ACK verifying section 32 receives a NACK response, or until communication is stopped. Then with DDR normal processing stopped, control is transferred to step S19.

In step S19, the I3C master 12 determines whether DDR normal processing was stopped in step S18 due to communication being stopped, due to an error being detected, or due to a NACK response being received.

In the case where it is determined in step S19 that DDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped, control is returned to step S18. The I3C master 12 then continues communication by carrying out DDR normal processing.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S19 that DDR normal processing was stopped due to an error being detected or a NACK response being received, control is transferred to step S20. The I3C master 12 then notifies the I3C driver 17 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received.

In step S21, the I3C driver 17 notifies the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 in the CCI master 16 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received. Then in step S22, the I3C driver 17 commands the I3C master 12 to perform recovery processing in accordance with a recovery method stipulated by the I3C protocol. Incidentally, the processing ranging from step S21 to step S22 may be implemented using software.

In step S23, the I3C master 12 performs recovery processing as commanded by the I3C driver 17 in step S22. Thereafter, control is returned to step S18. The similar steps are then repeated. For example, the error handling section 31 in the I3C master 12 sends a master abort followed by a stop or a restart, before resetting the error. This allows the I3C slave 13 to recover from the error.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart explaining the communication processing performed by the CCI master 16 in the master-side CCI layer. Incidentally, this communication processing may be implemented using software.

For example, the processing is started when the master device 22 is supplied with power and the CCI master 16 is activated and given instructions from an upper-layer control section, not shown, to perform communication. In step S31, the CCI master 16 determines whether communication is to be performed in SDR mode or in DDR mode. For example, the CCI master 16 determines that communication is to be performed in SDR mode at the time of starting communication. If processing is later performed to switch communication to DDR mode, the CCI master 16 determines that communication is to be carried out in DDR mode.

In the case where the CCI master 16 determines in step S31 that communication is to be performed in SDR mode, control is transferred to step S32. The CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 then performs SDR normal processing. For example, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 performs SDR normal processing until notification is received from the I3C driver 17 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received by the I3C master 12 in step S14 of FIG. 5 or until communication is stopped. Then when SDR normal processing is stopped, control is transferred to step S33.

In step S33, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 determines whether SDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped or due to the receipt of the notification that an error was detected or a NACK response was received.

In the case where it is determined in step S33 that SDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped, control is returned to step S32. The CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 then continues communication by carrying out SDR normal processing.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S33 that SDR normal processing was stopped due to the receipt of the notification that an error was detected or a NACK response was received, control is transferred to step S34.

In step S34, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 clears and nullifies an internal index.

In step S35, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 determines whether or not the next transfer is a CCI (SDR) current read operation to read data from the current address location.

In the case where it is determined in step S35 that the next transfer is not the CCI (SDR) current read operation, control is returned to step S32. SDR normal processing is then resumed from the next transfer.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S35 that the next transfer is the CCI (SDR) current read operation, control is transferred to step S36. In step S36, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 either inhibits the current read operation and switches to a random read operation, or skips the current read operation. After the processing in step S36, control is returned to step S32. The similar steps are then repeated.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI master 16 determines in step S31 that communication is to be performed in DDR mode, control is transferred to step S37. The CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 then performs DDR normal processing. For example, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 performs DDR normal processing until notification is received from the I3C driver 17 in step S21 of FIG. 5 that an error was detected or a NACK response was received, until an MD0 error or an MD1 error is detected, or until communication is stopped. Then when DDR normal processing is stopped, control is transferred to step S38.

In step S38, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 determines whether DDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped, due to the reception of the notification that an error was detected or a NACK response was received, or due to the MD0 or MD1 error being detected.

In the case where it is determined in step S38 that DDR normal processing was stopped due to communication being stopped, control is returned to step S37. The CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 then continues communication by carrying out DDR normal processing.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S33 that DDR normal, processing was stopped due to the receipt of the notification that an error was detected or a NACK response was received or due to the MD0 or MD1 error being detected, control is transferred to step S39.

In step S39, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 clears and nullifies the internal index.

In step S40, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 determines whether or not the next transfer is a CCI (DDR) current read operation to read data from the current address location.

In the case where it is determined in step S40 that the next transfer is not the CCI (DDR) current read operation, control is returned to step S37. DDR normal processing is then resumed from the next transfer.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S40 that the next transfer is the CCI (DDR) current read operation, control is transferred to step S41. In step S41, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 52 either inhibits the current read operation and switches to a random read operation, or skips the current read operation. After the processing in step S41, control is returned to step S37. The similar steps are then repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining the SDR communication processing performed by the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 of the CCI slave 18 in the slave-side CCI layer.

For example, the processing is started when the slave device 23 is supplied with power and the CCI slave 18 is activated. In step S51, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 waits for processing until communication is started or restarted by the I3C master 12 so that the I3C slave 13 detects the start or the restart of communication. Thus when the start or the restart of communication is detected by the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S52.

In step S52, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 waits for the I3C slave 13 to receive a signal sent from the I3C master 12. When the I3C slave 13 receives the signal sent from the I3C master 12, with the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 then receiving the signal from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S53.

In step S53, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether or not transition is to be made to HDR mode on the basis of the signal received in step S52.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S53 that transition is not to be made to HDR mode, control is transferred to step S54.

In step S54, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether the word based on the signal received in step S52 is erroneously or normally received.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S54 that the word is erroneously received, control is transferred to step S55. The error handling section 63 then clears and nullifies the index. Thereafter, control is returned to step S51 and the similar steps are repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S54 that the word is normally received, control is transferred to step S56. In step S56, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines what the normally received word means.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S56 that the word means a slave address and a write command, control is transferred to step S57. In step S57, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 handles as a sub-address the word to be received next from the I3C slave 13. Control is then returned to step S52.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S56 that the word means a sub-address, control is transferred to step S58. In step S58, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 holds the value of the word in the index.

In step S59, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether or not n bytes of the sub-address have been received.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S59 that n bytes of the sub-address have not been received, control is transferred to step S57. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S59 that n bytes of the sub-address have been received, control is transferred to step S60. In step S60, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 handles as write data the word to be received next from the I3C slave 13. Control is then returned to step S52.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S56 that the word means write data, control is transferred to step S61. In step S61, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 writes the value of the data to the index address being held.

In step S62, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 increments the index (by 1). In step S63, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether or not a stop or a restart (repeated start) is received from the I3C slave 13.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S63 that a stop or a restart is not received, control is transferred to step S60. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S63 that a stop or a restart is received, control is transferred to step S64. In step S64, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 does not handle as write data the word to be received next from the I3C slave 13. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S76.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S56 that the word means a slave address and a read command, control is transferred to step S65.

In step S65, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether or not the index value being held is valid.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S65 that the index value being held is valid (i.e., the index is correctly defined), control is transferred to step S66. In step S66, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 reads data from the index address being held.

In step S67, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 transfers the data read in step S66 to the I3C slave 13. In step S68, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 increments the index (by 1).

In step S69, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines whether or not the next read data is ready. In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S69 that the next read data is ready, control is transferred to step S70. The CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 then determines whether or not the I3C slave 13 has notified that a master abort was received.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S70 that the I3C slave 13 has not notified that a master abort was received, control is returned to step S67. The data is then read continuously.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S69 that the next read data is not ready or where it is determined in step S70 that the I3C slave 13 has notified that a master abort was received, control is transferred to step S71. In step S71, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 waits for a stop or for a restart. Then upon receipt of the stop or the restart from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S76.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S65 that the index value being held is not valid (e.g., the index is undefined and invalid), control is transferred to step S72. In step S72, the error handling section 63 detects occurrence of an SS0 error on the basis of the determination made by the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 that the index value being held is not valid.

In step S73, the error handling section 63 commands the I3C slave 13 to send a NACK response until the SS0 error is reset.

In step S74, the error handling section 63 waits for a stop or for a restart. Upon receipt of the stop or the restart from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S75.

In step S75, the error handling section 63 resets the SS0 error following the receipt of the stop or the restart in step S74. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S76.

In step S76, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines which of the stop and the restart is received from the I3C slave 13.

In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S76 that the restart is received, control is returned to step S52. In the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S76 that the stop is received, control is returned to step S51. The similar steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S53 that transition is to be made to HDR mode, control is transferred to step S77.

In step S77, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines the type of mode in accordance with the signal determined to cause transition to HDR mode in step S53.

In the case where the signal determined to cause transition to HDR mode in step S53 is ENTHDR0, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S77 that transition is to be made to DDR mode. Control is then transferred to step S78. In step S78, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 performs CCI (I3C DDR) processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 8 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S81.

On the other hand, in the case where the signal determined to cause transition to HDR mode in step S53 is ENTHDR1, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S77 that transition is to be made to TSP mode. Control is then transferred to step S79. In step S79, CCI (I3C TSP) processing is performed. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S81.

Meanwhile, in the case where the signal determined to cause transition to HDR mode in step S53 is ENTHDR2, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 determines in step S77 that transition is to be made to TSL mode. Control is then transferred to step S80. In step S80, CCI (I3C TSL) processing is performed. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S81.

In step S81, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 waits for a stop or a restart to be received from the I3C slave 13. Upon receipt of the stop or the restart, control is transferred to step S76. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining the CCI (I3C DDR) processing (step S78 in FIG. 7 ) performed by the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 of the CCI slave 18 in the slave-side the CCI layer.

In step S91, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 waits for the I3C slave 13 to receive a signal sent from the I3C master 12. When the I3C slave 13 receives the signal sent from the I3C master 12, with the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 then receiving the signal from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S92.

In step S92, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether the word based on the signal received in step S91 is erroneously or normally received.

In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S92 that the word is erroneously received, control is transferred to step S93. The error handling section 63 then clears and nullifies the index. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S94. The CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 then waits for HDR Exit or HDR Restart. Upon receipt of HDR Exit or HDR Restart from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S116.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S92 that the word is normally received, control is transferred to step S95. In step S95, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines what the normally received word means.

In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means a write command a slave address, control is transferred to step S96. In step S96, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 handles the word to be received next from the I3C slave 13 as the number of sent and received bytes (LENGTH). Control is then returned to step S91.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means the number of sent and received bytes, control is transferred to step S97. In step S97, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 holds the value of the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes).

In step S98, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not a predetermined number of bytes have been received with regard to the number of sent and received bytes. In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S98 that the predetermined number of bytes have not been received, control is transferred to step S96. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S98 that the predetermined number of bytes have been received, control is transferred to step S99. In step S99, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 handles as a sub-address the word to be received next from the I3C slave 13. Control is then returned to step S91.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means a sub-address, control is transferred to step S100. In step S100, the CCI (130 DDR) processing section 62 holds the value of the sub-address in the index.

In step S101, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not a predetermined number of bytes have been received with regard to the sub-address. In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S101 that the predetermined number of bytes have not been received, control is transferred to step S99. The subsequent steps are then repeated. If the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines that the predetermined number of bytes have been received, control is returned to step S91.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means write data, control is transferred to step S102. In step S102, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 writes the data to the index address being held.

In step S103, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 increments the index (by 1). In step S104, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not the write data received so far has exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes).

In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S104 that the write data has exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes), control is transferred to step S105. In step S105, the error handling section 63 detects occurrence of an SD1 error and performs error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 9 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S116.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S104 that the write data has not exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes), control is transferred to step S106. In step S106, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not the write data received so far has exceeded a predetermined number of bytes (K bytes).

In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S106 that the write data has exceeded the predetermined number of bytes (K bytes), control is transferred to step S107. In step S107, the error handling section 63 detects occurrence of an SD2 error and performs the error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 9 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S116. On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S106 that the write data has not exceeded the predetermined number of bytes (K bytes), control is returned to step S31.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means a CRC word, control is transferred to step S94. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S95 that the word means a read command and a slave address, control is transferred to step S108. In step S108, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not the index value being held is valid.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S108 that the index value being held is valid (e.g., the index is correctly defined), control is transferred to step S109. In step S109, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 reads data from the index address being held.

In step S110, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 transfers the data read in step S109 to the I3C slave 13. In step S111, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 increments the index (by 1).

In step S112, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not the read data sent so far has exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes). In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S112 that the read data has not exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes), control is transferred to step S113.

In step S113, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines whether or not the I3C slave 13 has given notification of the receipt of a master abort. In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S113 that the I3C slave 13 has not given notification of the receipt of a master abort, control is returned to step S110. The data is then continuously read. On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S113 that the I3C slave 13 has given notification of the receipt of a master abort, control is transferred to step S94. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S112 that the read data has exceeded the number of sent and received bytes (L bytes), control is transferred to step S114. In step S114, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 sends a CRC word. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S94. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S108 that the index value being held is not valid (e.g., the index is undefined and invalid), control is transferred to step S115. In step S115, on the basis of the determination made by the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 that the index value being held is not valid, the error handling section 63 detects occurrence of an SD0 error and performs the error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 9 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S116.

In step S116, the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines which of HDR Restart and HDR Exit is received from the I3C slave 13.

In the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S116 that HDR Restart is received, control is returned to step S91. The similar steps are then repeated. On the other hand, in the case where the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 determines in step S116 that HDR Exit is received, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining the error handling processing performed by the error handling section 63 of the CCI slave 18 in step S105, in step S107, or in step S115 of FIG. 8 .

In step S121, the error handling section 63 commands the I3C slave 13 to send a NACK response until the error (SD0 error, SD1 error, or SD2 error) is reset.

In step S122, the error handling section 63 waits for HDR Exit or HDR Restart. Then upon receipt of HDR Exit or HDR Restart from the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S123.

In step S123, the error handling section 63 resets the error (SD error, SD1 error, or SD2 error) following the receipt of HDR Exit or HDR Restart in step S122. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart explaining the SDR communication processing performed by the 130 (SDR) processing section 41 in the slave-side I3C layer.

For example, the processing is started when the slave device 23 is supplied with power and the I3C slave 13 is activated. In step S131, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 waits for processing until the I3C master 12 starts or restarts communication so that the start or the restart of communication is detected. Then when the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 detects the start or the restart of communication, control is transferred to step S132.

In step S132, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 verifies a first word sent immediately following the start or the restart of communication. In step S133, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not the first word is a prohibited address.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S133 that the first word is a prohibited address, control is transferred to step S134. In step S134, on the basis of the determination made by the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 that the first word is a prohibited address, the error handling section 43 detects occurrence of an S0 error.

In step S135, the error handling section 43 notifies the CCI slave 18 that the SD error has occurred.

In step S136, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 waits for HDR Exit. In step S137, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not HDR Exit is received. In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines that HDR Exit is not received, control is returned to step S136. In step S136, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 waits continuously for HDR Exit.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S137 that HDR Exit is received, control is transferred to step S138. In step S138, the error handling section 43 resets the S0 error following the receipt of HDR Exit by the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 in step S137. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S150.

Meanwhile, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S133 that the first word is not a prohibited address, control is transferred to step S139. In step S139, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not the first word is a read command (7′h7E+R) addressed to all I3C slaves 13 connected with the I3C bus 11.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S139 that the first word is the read command (7′h7E+R), control is transferred to step S134 in which occurrence of the S0 error is detected. The subsequent steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S139 that the first word is not the read command (7′h7E+R), control is transferred to step S140. In step S140, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not the first word is a write command (7′h7E+W) addressed to all I3C slaves 13 connected with the I3C bus 11.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S140 that the first word is the write command (7′h7E+W), control is transferred to step S141. The acknowledge processing section 71 then performs acknowledge processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 11 ).

In step S142, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines which of the ACK and NACK responses was sent during the acknowledge processing of step S141.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S142 that the ACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S143. In step S143, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not a restart has arrived next. In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines that the restart has arrived next, control is returned to step S132.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S143 that the restart has not arrived next, control is transferred to step S144. That is, the first word in this case is a CCC, so that the CCC reception processing section 73 performs CCC reception processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 13 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S150.

Meanwhile, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S142 that the NACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S145. The I3C (SDR) processing section 41 then waits for a stop or for a restart. Upon receipt of the stop or the restart, control is transferred to step S150.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S140 that the first word is not the write command (7′h7E+W), control is transferred to step S146. That is, the first word in this case is the address of one of multiple I3C slaves 13 connected with the I3C bus 11. In step S146, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether or not the first word matches the own address.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S146 that the first word does not match the own address, control is transferred to step S145. That is, the first word in this case is the address of another I3C slave 13. Thus in step S145, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 waits for a stop or for a restart.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S146 that the first word matches the own address, control, is transferred to step S147. In step S147, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines whether the command sent together with the own address is a write command or a read command.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S147 that the command is the write command, control is transferred to step S148. The write reception processing section 72 then performs write reception processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 12 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S150.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S147 that the command is the read command, control is transferred to step S149. The read reception processing section 74 then performs read reception processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 14 ). Thereafter, control is transferred to step S150.

In step S150, the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines which of the stop and the restart is received.

In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines in step S150 that the restart is received, control is returned to step S132. In the case where the I3C (SDR) processing section 41 determines that the stop is received, control is returned to step S131. The similar steps are then repeated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining the acknowledge processing performed by the acknowledge processing section 71 in step S141 of FIG. 10 .

In step S161, the acknowledge processing section 71 determines whether or not an ACK response is acceptable for the I3C slave 13 with regard to the above-described write command (7′h7E+W). For example, in the case where the command or the data is normally received, the acknowledge processing section 71 determines that the ACK response is to be sent. In the case where the command or the data is erroneously received, the acknowledge processing section 71 determines that the ACK response is not to be sent (i.e., the NACK response is to be sent).

In the case where the acknowledge processing section 71 determines in step S163 that the ACK response is acceptable for the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S162.

In step S162, given the determination made by the acknowledge processing section 71 in step S161 that the ACK response is acceptable, the error handling section 76 determines whether or not the CCI slave 18 is requesting that the response be overwritten with a NACK. For example, the CCI slave 18 requests that the response be overwritten with the NACK until the SS0 error is reset regardless of the I3C protocol as discussed above.

In the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S162 that the CCI slave 18 is not requesting that the response be overwritten with the NACK, control is transferred to step S163. The acknowledge processing section 71 then sends the ACK response. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the acknowledge processing section 71 determines in step S161 that the ACK response is not acceptable for the I3C slave 13 (i.e., the NACK response is to be sent), control is transferred to step S164. Likewise, in the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S162 that the CCI slave 18 is requesting that the response be overwritten with the NACK, control is transferred to step S164. In step S164, the acknowledge processing section 71 sends the NACK response. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining the write reception processing performed by the write reception processing section 72 in step S148 of FIG. 10 .

In step S171, the write reception processing section 72 sends the received slave address and write command to the CCI slave 18.

In step S172, the acknowledge processing section 71 performs the acknowledge processing (discussed above with reference to FIG. 11 ). In step S173, the write reception processing section 72 determines which of the ACK and NACK responses was sent during the acknowledge processing.

In the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S173 that the ACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S174. In step S174, the write reception processing section 72 receives the next word as write data and sends the received write data to the CCI slave 18.

In step S175, the write reception processing section 72 determines whether or not there is a parity error in the write data received in step S173.

In the case where it is determined in step S175 that there is no parity error, control is transferred to step S176. The write reception processing section 72 then determines whether or not a restart or a stop has arrived next. In the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S176 that the restart or the stop has not arrived next, control is returned to step S174. The similar steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S176 that the restart or the stop has arrived next, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S175 that there is a parity error, control is transferred to step S177. In step S177, on the basis of the determination made by the write reception processing section 72 that there is a parity error, the error handling section 76 detects occurrence of an S2 error.

In step S178, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 that an S2 error has occurred.

In step S179, the write reception processing section 72 waits for a stop or for a restart. In step S180, the write reception processing section 72 determines whether or not the stop or the restart is received.

In the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S180 that the stop or the restart is not received, control is returned to step S179. The write reception processing section 72 then waits continuously for a stop or for a restart.

On the other hand, in the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S180 that the stop or the restart is received, control is transferred to step S181. In step S181, upon receipt of the stop or the restart by the write reception processing section 72 in step S180, the error handling section 43 resets the S2 error. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the write reception processing section 72 determines in step S173 that the NACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S182. In step S182, the write reception processing section 72 waits for a stop or for a restart. Upon receipt of the stop or the restart, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining the CCC reception processing performed by the CCC reception processing section 73 in step S144 of FIG. 10 .

In step S191, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines whether or not there is a parity error in the CCC.

In the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S191 that there is a parity error, control is transferred to step S192. In step S192, on the basis of the determination made by the CCC reception processing section 73 that there is a parity error, the error handling section 76 detects occurrence of an S1 error.

In step S193, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 that an S1 error has occurred.

In step S194, the CCC reception processing section 73 waits for HDR Exit. In step S195, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines whether or not HDR Exit is received. In the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S195 that HDR Exit is not received, control is returned to step S194. The CCC reception processing section 73 then waits continuously for HDR Exit.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S195 that HDR Exit is received, control is transferred to step S196. In step S196, upon receipt of HDR Exit by the CCC reception processing section 73 in step S195, the error handling section 76 rests the S1 error. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S191 that there is no parity error, control is transferred to step S197. In step S197, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines what is ordered by the CCC.

In the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S197 that what is ordered by the CCC is a CCC (ENTDAA) ordering dynamic address assignment, control is transferred to step S198.

In step S198, CCC (ENTDAA) processing involving dynamic address assignment is performed.

In step S199, the error handling section 76 determines whether or not occurrence of an S3 error was detected during the CCC (ENTDAA) processing in step S198.

In the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S199 that occurrence of the S3 error was detected, control is transferred to step S200. In step S200, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 that occurrence of the S3 error was detected.

On the other hand, in the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S199 that occurrence of the S3 error was not detected, control is transferred to step S201. In step S201, the error handling section 76 determines whether or not occurrence of an S4 error was detected during the CCC (ENTDAA) processing in step S198.

In the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S201 that occurrence of the S4 error was detected, control is transferred to step S200. In this case, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 in step S200 that the S4 error was detected.

Following the processing in step S200, control is transferred to step S202. Likewise, in the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S201 that occurrence of the S4 error was not detected, i.e., that the occurrence of both the S3 error and the S4 error was not detected, control is transferred to step S202.

In step S202, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines whether or not a stop is received. In the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S202 that the stop is not received, control is returned to step S198. The similar steps are then repeated. In the case where it is determined that the stop is received, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S197 that what is ordered by the CCC is a CCC (GET system) ordering a request for various items of information to be sent and acquired, control is transferred to step S203.

In step S203, CCC (GET system) processing involving the request for various items of information to be sent and acquired is carried out.

In step S204, the error handling section 76 determines whether or not occurrence of an SS error was detected during the CCC (GET system) processing in step S203.

In the case where the error handling section 76 determines in step S204 that occurrence of the S5 error was detected, control is transferred to step S205. In step S205, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 that the S5 error was detected.

Following the processing in step S205 or in the case where it is determined in step S204 that the S5 error was not detected, control is transferred to step S206. In step S206, the CCC reception processing section 73 determines whether or not a stop or a restart is received.

In the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S206 that the stop or the restart is not received, control is returned to step S203. The similar steps are then repeated. In the case where it is determined that the stop or the restart is received, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the CCC reception processing section 73 determines in step S197 that what is ordered by the CCC is a CCC (ENTHDRx) ordering the start of HDR mode, control is transferred to step S207.

In step S207, the HDR start processing section 75 performs CCC (ENTHDRx) processing to start HDR mode.

In step S208, it is determined whether or not HDR Exit is received followed by either a stop or a restart during the CCC (ENTHDRx) processing in step S207. The CCC (ENTHDRx) processing is carried out continuously until it is determined that HDR Exit is received followed by either the stop or the restart. When it is determined that HDR Exit is received followed by either the stop or the restart, the processing is brought to an end.

Incidentally, although FIG. 13 indicates the CCC (ENTDAA) processing, CCC (GET system) processing, and CCC (ENTHDRx) processing as examples, many other CCCs are used in practice.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart explaining the read reception processing performed by the read reception processing section 74 in step S149 of FIG. 10 .

In step S211, the read reception processing section 74 sends the received slave address and read command to the CCI slave 18.

In step S212, the acknowledge processing (discussed above with reference to FIG. 11 ) is performed by the acknowledge processing section 71. In step S213, the read reception processing section 74 determines which of the ACK and NACK responses was sent during the acknowledge processing.

In the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S213 that the ACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S214. In step S214, the read reception processing section 74 sends the read data received from the CCI slave 18 to the I3C master 12.

In step S215, the read reception processing section 74 determines whether or not the signal being sent over the I3C bus 11 matches transmission data.

In the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S215 that the signal being sent over the I3C bus 11 matches the transmission data, control is transferred to step S216. In step S216, the read reception processing section 74 determines whether or not the next read data is received from the CCI slave 18.

In the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S216 that the next read data is not received from the CCI slave 18, control is transferred to step S217. In step S217, the read reception processing section 74 sends a data end (End-of-Data) to the I3C master 12. The read reception processing section 74 then waits for a stop or a restart. Thereafter, upon receipt of the stop or the restart, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S216 that the next read data is received from the CCI slave 18, control is transferred to step S218. In step S218, the read reception processing section 74 determines whether or not an abort request is received from the I3C master 12.

In the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S218 that the abort request is not received from the I3C master 12, control is returned to step S214. The similar steps are then repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S218 that the abort request is received from the I3C master 12, control is transferred to step S219. In step S219, the read reception processing section 74 notifies the CCI slave 18 that the abort request is received. The read reception processing section 74 then waits for a stop or a restart. Thereafter, upon receipt of the stop or the restart, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S215 that the signal being sent over the I3C bus 11 does not match the transmission data, control is transferred to step S220. In step S220, on the basis of the determination made by the read reception processing section 74 in step S215 that the signal being sent over the I3C bus 11 does not match the transmission data, the error handling section 76 detects occurrence of an S6 error.

In step S221, the error handling section 76 notifies the CCI slave 18 that the S6 error has occurred. In step S222, the read reception processing section 74 stops sending the read data.

In step S223, the read reception processing section 74 waits for a stop or for a restart. In step S224, the read reception processing section 74 determines whether or not the stop or the restart is received. In the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S224 that the stop or the restart is not received, control is returned to step S223. The read reception processing section 74 then waits continuously for a stop or for a restart.

On the other hand, in the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S224 that the stop or the restart is received, control is transferred to step S225. In step S225, upon receipt of the stop or the restart by the read reception processing section 74 in step S224, the error handling section 43 resets the S6 error. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the read reception processing section 74 determines in step S213 that the NACK response was sent, control is transferred to step S226. In step S226, the read reception processing section 74 waits for a stop or for a restart. Then upon receipt of the stop or the restart by the read reception processing section 74, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining the HDR start processing performed by the HDR start processing section 75 in step S207 of FIG. 13 .

In step S231, the HDR start processing section 75 determines the type of HDR mode in accordance with the received CCC (ENTHDRx).

In the case where the HDR start processing section 75 determines in step S231 that the received CCC is ENTHDR0, the HDR start processing section 75 determines that. DDR mode is to be started. Control is then transferred to step S232. In step S232, the HDR start processing section 75 notifies the CCI slave 18 that DDR mode is to be started. In step S233, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 performs DDR processing (to be discussed with reference to FIG. 16 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the HDR start processing section 75 determines in step S231 that the received CCC is ENTHDR1, the HDR start processing section 75 determines that TSP mode is to be started. Control is then transferred to step S234. In step S234, the HDR start processing section 75 notifies the CCI slave 18 that TSP mode is to be started. In step S235, TSP processing is performed. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the HDR start processing section 75 determines in step S231 that the received CCC is ENTHDR2, the HDR start processing section 75 determines that TSL mode is to be started. Control is then transferred to step S236. In step S236, the HDR start processing section 75 notifies the CCI slave 18 that. TSL mode is to be started. In step S237, TSL processing is performed. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the HDR start processing section 75 determines in step S231 that the received CCC is something other than ENTHDR0, ENTHDR1, or ENTHDR2, control, is transferred to step S238. In step S238, the HDR start processing section 75 waits for HDR Exit. Thereafter, upon receipt of HDR Exit, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining the I3C (DDR) processing performed in step S233 of FIG. 15 by the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 in the slave-side I3C layer.

In step S241, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 verifies and determines the type of the preamble sent immediately after CCC (ENTHDRx).

In the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S241 that the preamble is 2′b01, control is transferred to step S242.

In step S242, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 waits for a command. Upon receipt of the command, control is transferred to step S243. In step S243, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 waits for a slave address. Upon receipt of the slave address, control is transferred to step S244.

In step S244, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines whether or not a parity error has occurred in the command received in step S242 and in the slave address received in step S24.3. In the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S244 that no parity error has occurred, control is transferred to step S245.

In step S245, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines whether or not the address received in step S243 matches the own address. In the case where the I3C (DDR processing section 42 determines that the received address matches the own address, control is transferred to step S246. In step S246, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 sends to the CCI slave 18 the command received in step S242 and the slave address received in step S243.

In step S247, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines whether the command received in step S242 is a write command or a read command.

In the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S247 that the received command is the write command, control is transferred to step S248 in which DDR write processing is performed by the DDR write processing section 81. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S252.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S247 that the received command is the read command, control is transferred to step S249 in which DDR read processing is performed by the DDR read processing section 82. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S252.

Meanwhile, in the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S244 that a parity error has occurred, control is transferred to step S250 in which parity error handling processing (to be discussed latex with reference to FIG. 21 ) is performed by the error handling section 84. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S252.

On the other hand, in the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S241 that the preamble is 2′b00, control is transferred to step S252.

Meanwhile, in the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S241 that the preamble is something other than 2′b01 or 2′b00 control is transferred to step S251 in which framing error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 20 ) is performed by the error handling section 84. Thereafter, control is transferred to step S252.

In step S252, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 waits for HDR Exit or HDR Restart. Then upon receipt of HDR Exit or HDR Restart by the I3C (DDR) processing section 42, control is transferred to step S253.

In step S253, the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines which of HDR Exit and HDR Restart was received in step S252. In the case where the I3C (DDR) processing section 42 determines in step S253 that HDR Restart was received, control is returned to step S241. The similar steps are then repeated. In the case where it is determined that HDR Exit was received, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart explaining the DDR write processing performed by the DDR write processing section 81 in step S248 of FIG. 16 .

In step S261, the DDR write processing section 81 verifies and determines the type of the preamble.

In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S261 that the preamble is 2′b10, control is transferred to step S262.

In step S262, the DDR write processing section 81 waits for write data. Upon receipt of the write data, control is transferred to step S263.

In step S263, the DDR write processing section 81 determines whether or not a parity error has occurred in the write data received in step S262. In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S263 that no parity error has occurred, control is transferred to step S264.

In step S264, the DDR write processing section 81 sends the write data received in step S262 to the CCI slave 18.

In step S265, the DDR write processing section 81 verifies and determines the type of the preamble.

In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S265 that the preamble is 2′b11, control is returned to step S262. The write data is then received continuously.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S265 that the preamble is 2′b01, control is transferred to step S266. In step S266, the DDR write processing section 81 waits for a CRC. Upon receipt of the CRC, control is transferred to step S267.

In step S267, the DDR write processing section 81 determines whether or not a header (4′hC) is received. In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S267 that the header (4′hC) is received, control is transferred to step S268.

In step S268, the DDR write processing section 81 determines whether or not a CRC error has occurred in the CRC received in step S266. In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S268 that no CRC error has occurred, control is transferred to step S269.

In step S269, the DDR write processing section 81 sends the CRC word received in step S266 to the CCI slave 18. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S268 that the CRC error has occurred, control is transferred to step S270. In step S270, the error handling section 84 performs CRC error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 22 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S267 that the header (4′hC) is not received, control is transferred to step S271. In step S271, the error handling section 84 performs framing error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 20 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S265 that the preamble is 2′b00, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S265 that the preamble is something other than 2′b11, 2′b01 or 2′b00, control is transferred to step S272. In step S272, the error handling section 84 performs the framing error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 20 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S263 that the parity error has occurred, control is transferred to step S273. In step S273, the error handling section 84 performs parity error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 21 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S261 that the preamble is 2′b00, the processing is brought to an end.

In the case where the DDR write processing section 81 determines in step S261 that the preamble is something other than 2′b01 or 2′b00, control is transferred to step S274. In step S274, the error handling section 84 performs the framing error handling processing (to be discussed later with reference to FIG. 20 ). Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart explaining the DDR read processing performed by the DDR read processing section 82 in step S249 of FIG. 16 .

In step S281, the DDR acknowledge processing is performed by the DDR acknowledge processing section 83. In step S282, the DDR read processing section 82 determines which of the ACK and NACK responses was sent during the acknowledge processing.

In the case where the DDR read processing section 82 determines in step S282 that the ACK processing was performed, control is transferred to step S283. In step S283, the DDR read processing section 82 sends the read data received from the CCI slave 18 to the I3C master 12.

In step S284, the DDB read processing section 82 determines whether or not the next read data is received from the CCI slave 18.

In the case where the DDR read processing section 82 determines in step S284 that the next read data is received from the CCI slave 18, control is transferred to step S285 in which a preamble (preamble (1)=1′b1) is sent.

In step S296, the DDR read processing section 82 determines whether the received preamble (preamble [0]) is 1′b1 or 1′b0.

In the case where the DDR read processing section 82 determines in step S286 that the received preamble is 1′b1, control is returned to step S283. The similar steps are then repeated. If it is determined that the received preamble is 1′b0, the processing is brought to an end.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR read processing section 82 determines in step S284 that the next read data is not received from the CCI slave 18, control is transferred to step S287. In step S287, the DDR read processing section 82 sends a preamble (2′b01). In step S288, the DDR read processing section 82 sends a CRC word. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

Meanwhile, in the case where the DDR read processing section 82 determines in step S282 that the NACK processing was performed, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining the DDR acknowledge processing performed by the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 in step S281 of FIG. 1.8 .

In step S291, the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 determines whether or not an ACK response is acceptable for the I3C slave 13 with regard to the above-mentioned read command. For example, in the case where the command and data have been normally received, the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 determines that the ACK response is to be sent; in the case where an error has occurred in the command or in the data, the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 determines that the ACK response is not to be sent (i.e., NACK response is to be sent).

In the case where the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 determines in step S291 that the ACK response is acceptable for the I3C slave 13, control is transferred to step S292.

In step S292, given the determination made by the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 in step S291 that the ACK response is acceptable, the error handling section 84 determines whether or not the CCI slave 18 is requesting that the response be overwritten with a NACK. For example, the CCI slave 18 requests that the response be overwritten with the NACK until the SS0 error is reset regardless of the I3C protocol as discussed above.

In the case where the error handling section 84 determines in step S292 that the CCI slave 18 is not requesting that the response be overwritten with the NACK, control is transferred to step S293. The DDR acknowledge processing section 83 then sends the ACK response.

On the other hand, in the case where the DDR acknowledge processing section 83 determines in step S291 that the ACK response is not acceptable for the I3C slave 13 (i.e., NACK response is to be sent), control is transferred to step S294. Likewise, in the case where the error handling section 84 determines in step S292 that the CCI slave 18 is requesting that the response be overwritten with the NACK, control is transferred to step S294. In step S294, the acknowledge processing section 71 sends the NACK response. Thereafter, the processing is brought to an end.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart explaining the framing error handling processing performed by the error handling section 84 in step S251 of FIG. 1.6 and in steps S271, S272 and S274 of FIG. 17 .

In step S301, the error handling section 84 notifies the CCI slave 18 of the framing error. The processing is then brought to an end.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart explaining the parity error handling processing performed by the error handling section 84 in step S250 of FIG. 16 and in step S273 of FIG. 17 .

In step S311, the error handling section 84 notifies the CCI slave 18 of the parity error. The processing is then brought to an end.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart explaining the CRC error handling processing performed by the error handling section 84 in step S270 of FIG. 17 .

In step S321, the error handling section 84 notifies the CCI slave 18 of the CRC error. The processing is then brought to an end.

In the I3C communication system 21 using the I3C bus 11, as described above, the slave device 23 may detect an error in the layer of the I3C slave 13. At this time, the layer of the CCI slave 18 neglects all received data from the I3C slave 13 until the I3C slave 13 recovers from the word in which the error is detected and until a slave address and a write command are received in both SDR mode and DDR mode. That is because the write transfer is always followed by a sub-address.

As a first variation of the above-described embodiment, the slave device 23, for example, may neglect all received data from the I3C slave 13 until, the I3C slave 13 recovers from the word in which the error is detected when the I3C slave 13 detects the error and until both the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 61 and the CCI (I3C DDR) processing section 62 of the CCI slave 18 receive the slave address and write command. That is because the slave address and the write command are always followed by a sub-address.

During that time, the I3C slave 13 attempts to send an ACK response or a NACK response in accordance with the I3C protocol. However, the ACK response immediately following the slave address and the read command is exceptionally overwritten with the NACK response by the CCI slave 18. The overwriting is performed here to avert a malfunction that occurs upon unintended detection of the M2 error (No response to Broadcast Address) stipulated under the I3C protocol if a NACK response is sent elsewhere such as immediately subsequent to 7E+W in the case where the I3C master 12 and the I3C slave 13 are configured on a one-to-one basis. As needed, specific limited commands may be provided in such a manner that the ACK response is not overwritten with the NACK response.

Also, as a second variation of the above embodiment, in the I3C communication system 21 using the I3C bus 11, the layer of the CCI slave 18 in the slave device 23 may, upon detection of an error in the layer of the I3C slave 13, neglect all received data from the I3C slave 13 until the I3C slave 13 recovers from the word in which the error is detected and until the next start or the next restart, a slave address, a write command, and the index are received in both SDR mode and DDR mode. During this time, the I3C slave 13 attempts to send an ACK response or a NACK response in accordance with the I3C protocol. However, the ACK response immediately following the slave address and the read command is exceptionally overwritten with the NACK response by the CCI slave 18. This allows the index to be reliably received.

<Handling of Index Errors>

The handling of index errors is explained below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 23 to 32 .

The index errors are explained first with reference to FIG. 23 .

As an example, FIG. 23 depicts an S2 error that occurs during a single read operation from a random location (Single Read from Random Location) under the CCI (I3C SDR) protocol. Here, in the case where the S2 error according to the I3C protocol is detected during reception of a register address (Sub Address [7:0]), the I3C slave 13 neglects any received signal until the next stop (P) or restart (Sr) is detected in accordance with the I3C protocol. For this reason, as depicted in FIG. 23 , the CCI slave 18 cannot receive any signal and cannot update the index subsequent to the sub-address until the stop (P) is detected.

On the other hand, the I3C slave 13 recovers from the S2 error at the next restart, receives a read command, and notifies the CCI slave 18 of the received read command. However, the CCI slave 18, having failed to update the index, cannot correctly identify the register address to which the read command is addressed. As a result, there is fear that the read data with regard to a previously established register address may be sent to the I3C master 12.

Furthermore, because the update of the index is calculated on the basis of the previously established register address, the current read operation, if continued next, will cause the wrong read data to be sent unchecked to the I3C master 12. That is, a single error generates a chain of errors. It is then quite difficult for the I3C master 12 to notice that the data thus sent is the wrong value.

In view of that, the I3C communication system 21 defines the SS0 error detection method and the SS0 error recovery method as described in FIG. 24 .

For example, the slave device 23 makes use of the SS0 error newly defined in the layer of the CCI slave 18. That is, when detecting the occurrence of any of the S0 to S6 errors stipulated by the I3C protocol, the I3C slave 13 notifies the CCI slave 18 that the corresponding one of the respective errors has occurred. In turn, the CCI slave 18 clears the index information stored so far.

Then in the case in which, with the index cleared, the I3C slave 13 receives the read command, the CCI slave 18 detects occurrence of the SS0 error (step S72 in FIG. 7 ). When occurrence of the SS0 error is detected in this manner, the CCI slave 18 neglects all communication until a stop or a restart is received, as depicted in FIG. 24 .

In the case where the I3C slave 13 sends an ACK response or a NACK response at this point, the CCI slave 18 commands the I3C slave 13 to send the NACK response (step S73 in FIG. 7 ) until the SS error is reset regardless of the I3C protocol.

Also, FIG. 25 depicts typical SS0 error operations performed when an S2 error occurs during a random read operation, and FIG. 26 depicts typical SS0 error operations carried out when an S2 error occurs during a random write operation.

As illustrated, the CCI slave 18 detects the SS0 error at the time of receiving the read command subsequent to the restart (Sr). This makes it possible to avoid sending to the I3C master 12 the read data addressed to the wrong register address.

Incidentally, the CCI slave 18 needs to clear the index unfailingly with regard to the S2 and S6 errors. In contrast, if the I3C master 12 is implemented in such a manner that a current read operation is performed unfailingly with regard to the S0 and S1 errors after the NACK response is sent for example, the CCI slave 18 can communicate normally without clearing the index. However, in case the I3C master 12 may violate the I3C protocol unintentionally, it is preferred that the CCI slave 18 clear the index so that such a violation can be easily detected. It is similar to the S3 and SS5 errors as well.

Also, in the case where the I3C master 12 in the master device 22 detects occurrence of any of the M0 to M2 errors stipulated by the I3C protocol or where a NACK response is received, the I3C master 12 notifies the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 that the error is detected or the NACK response is received (steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 5 ). In turn, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 clears the index information stored so far.

Furthermore, in the case where any of the M0 to M2 errors is detected or the NACK response is received, the I3C master 12 recovers from the error in accordance with the procedure stipulated by the I3C protocol (step S17 in FIG. 5 ). Thereafter, the CCI (I3C SDR) processing section 51 prohibits the use of the CCI (SDR) current read operation (Sequential or Single Read Starting from the Current Location). Specifically, in the CCI slave 18, the use of the current read operation is inhibited because, with the index cleared at the time the error occurred, the SS0 error always occurs if the current read operation is used for the next transfer.

FIG. 27 depicts typical operations performed when an S0 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 27 , when the I3C slave 13 detects the S0 error, the index of the CCI slave 18 is cleared. Then the I3C slave 13 continuously sends a NACK response in accordance with the I3C protocol. Upon receipt of HDR Exit, the S1 error is reset. Thereafter, when receiving a slave address and a read command, the CCI slave 18 detects an SS0 error and sends the NACK response. When a stop (P) is received, the SS0 error is reset.

FIG. 28 depicts typical operations performed when an S1 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 28 , the I3C slave 13 detects occurrence of the S1 error when a parity error occurs. With the index of the CCI slave 18 cleared, the I3C slave 13 sends a NACK response continuously. Thereafter, upon receipt of HDR Exit by the I3C slave 13, the S30 error is reset. Upon receiving a slave address and a read command, the CCI slave 18 detects an SS0 error and sends a NACK response. When a stop (P) is received, the SS0 error is reset.

FIG. 29 depicts typical operations performed when an S3 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 29 , when a parity error occurs, the I3C slave 13 detects occurrence of the S3 error. With the index of the CCI slave 18 cleared, the I3C slave 13 sends a NACK response. Then upon receipt of a restart (Sr) by the I3C slave 13, the S3 error is reset.

FIG. 30 depicts typical operations performed when an S4 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 30 , at the time of receiving an address header other than 7E/R in the CCC (ENTDAA) ordering dynamic address assignment for example, the I3C slave 13 detects occurrence of the S4 error if an error has occurred in the data. With the index of the CCI slave 18 cleared, the I3C slave 13 sends a NACK response. Thereafter, upon receipt of a restart (Sr) by the I3C slave 13, the S4 error is reset.

FIG. 31 depicts typical operations performed when an S5 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 31 , after a transaction for sending a common command code (GETBCR CCC) is finalized, the I3C slave 13 detects occurrence of the SS error if an error has occurred in the data sent from the I3C master 12. In turn, the index of the CCI slave 18 is cleared, and the I3C slave 13 sends a NACK response. Thereafter, upon receipt of a stop (P) by the I3C slave 13, the S4 error is reset.

FIG. 32 depicts typical operations performed when an S6 error occurs.

As depicted in FIG. 32 , upon detecting that the signal on the I3C bus 11 does not match the read data, the I3C slave 13 detects occurrence of the S6 error. In turn, the index of the CCI slave 18 is cleared, and the I3C slave 13 stops transferring the read data.

<FIFO Overflows>

Incidentally, the I3C protocol allows each I3C slave 13 to define a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in one send and receive operation (MRL: Max Read Length) and a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation (MWL: Max Write Length), the defined numbers being acquired by the I3C master 12. However, in the case where the I3C master 12 unintentionally sends write data exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (MWL: Max Write Length), the I3C slave 13 presumably will have its FIFO overflowed and will not write the data correctly to the register.

For example, in the case where the I3C slave 13 is requested by the I3C master 12 to write a number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (MWL: Max Write Length), the I3C slave 13 discards the overflow data because the I3C slave 13 is not stipulated to stop the write transfer under the I3C protocol unlike under the I2C protocol. In view of this, the protocol defines an S7 error (Write over MWL), for example, which allows the I3C slave 13 to detect that the I3C master 12 has requested the writing of a number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (Max Write Length: MWL).

With the S7 error (Write over MWL) defined in this manner, even in the case where the I3C master 12 requests the writing of a number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (Max Write Length: MWL), the I3C slave 13 detects the S7 error and then does not receive the overflow data explicitly. This makes it possible to avoid overflowing the FIFO.

Also, before starting communication, the I3C master 12 can acquire the maximum number of transfer bytes (MRL or MWL) using a command (GETMRL or GETMWL) ordering the sending of the maximum number of transfer bytes. Alternatively, the user may set to the I3C master 12 the maximum number of transfer bytes (MRL or MWL) read from a data sheet of each I3C slave 13.

In the manner described above, the I3C master 12 suppresses the request to transfer the data exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (MRL or MWL). Incidentally, in the case where read data exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes (MRL) is transferred from the I3C slave 13, the I3C master 12 may stop communication on its own initiative. In such a case, the I3C master 12 may still communicate continuously. The I3C master 12 is not prohibited from communicating.

Although not explained further, an error detection method and an error recovery method similar to those discussed above are also implemented in the communication processing in TSP mode and TSL mode.

<Typical Configuration of the Computer>

The processes explained above with reference to the accompanying flowcharts need not be carried out chronologically as depicted in the flowcharts. That is, the processes may include those that are conducted parallelly or individually (e.g., parallel processes ox object-oriented processes). Also, the programs involved may be processed by a single CPU or by multiple CPUs on a distributed basis.

Further, the series of the processing described above (communication method) may be executed either by hardware or by software. Where a software-based series of processing is to be carried out, the programs constituting the software may be either incorporated beforehand in the dedicated hardware of the computer to be used or installed from a program recording medium that stores the programs into a general-purpose personal computer or like equipment capable of executing diverse functions based on the installed programs.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram depicting a typical hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of the above-described processing using programs.

In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory) 104 are interconnected via a bus 105. The bus 105 is further connected with an input/output interface 106. The input/output interface 106 is connected with the outside.

In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 101 performs the above-mentioned series of processing by loading appropriate programs from the ROM 102 or from the EEPROM 104 into the RAM 103 via the bus 105 and by executing the loaded programs. Also, the programs executed by the computer (CPU 101) may be installed into the EEPROM 104 or updated from the outside via the input/output interface 106 besides being written beforehand to the ROM 102.

<Typical Combinations of Configured Components>

The present technology when implemented may be configured preferably as follows:

(1)

A communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including:

a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus; and

a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index;

in which the high-level layer includes:

-   -   a high-level layer communication processing section configured         to determine status of the index when requested to be accessed         for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus;         and     -   a high-level layer error handling section configured to control         the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the         basis of the status of the index and to neglect all         communication until at least communication is restarted or         stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level         layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when         performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the         governing communication apparatus.         (2)

The communication apparatus as stated in paragraph (1) above,

in which the low-level layer includes:

-   -   a write reception processing section configured to perform write         reception processing so as to receive write data sent from the         governing communication apparatus and to send the write data to         the high-level layer; and     -   a low-level layer error handling section configured to detect         occurrence of a parity error in the write data and to notify the         high-level layer that the parity error has occurred; and

the high-level layer communication processing section is further configured to clear the index and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in response to the notification of the parity error by the low-level layer error handling section.

(3)

The communication apparatus as stated in paragraph (1) or (2) above,

in which the low-level layer further includes a read reception processing section configured to perform read reception processing so as to send read data received from the high-level layer to the governing communication apparatus;

the low-level layer error handling section is further configured to detect occurrence of an error upon detecting that the read data being sent does not match the signal on the bus, the low-level layer error handling section further notifying the high-level layer that the error has occurred; and

the high-level layer communication processing section is further configured to clear the index and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in response to the notification of the error by the low-level layer error handling section.

(4)

The communication apparatus as stated in any one of paragraphs (1) to (3) above,

in which the low-level layer error handling section is configured to detect occurrence of an error in the event that a first word following a start or a restart of communication sent from the governing communication apparatus is a prohibited address or that the first word is a read command addressed to all subordinate communication apparatuses connected with the bus, the low-level layer error handling section further notifying the high-level layer that the error has occurred; and

the high-level layer communication processing section is configured to clear the index and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in response to the notification of the error by the low-level layer error handling section.

(5)

The communication apparatus as stated in any one of paragraphs (1) to (4) above,

in which the low-level layer error handling section is configured to detect occurrence of a parity error in a common command code broadcast to one or a plurality of subordinate communication apparatuses connected with the bus, the low-level layer error handling section thereby notifying the high-level layer that the parity error has occurred; and

the high-level layer communication processing section is configured to clear the index and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in response to the notification of the parity error by the low-level layer error handling section.

(6)

The communication apparatus as stated in any one of paragraphs (1) to (5) above,

in which the low-level layer error handling section is configured to notify the high-level layer that an error has occurred on the basis of the error occurred during processing in accordance with a common command code broadcast to one or a plurality of subordinate communication apparatuses connected with the bus; and

the high-level layer communication processing section is configured to clear the index and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in response to the notification of the error by the low-level layer error handling section.

(7)

A communication method for use with a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication method including:

causing the subordinate communication apparatus to determine status of the index when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus; and

causing the subordinate communication apparatus to control the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the status of the index and to neglect all communication until at least communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

(8)

A program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus performing communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication process including:

causing the computer to determine status of the index when requested to be accessed for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus; and

causing the computer to control the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of the status of the index and to neglect all communication until at least communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

(9)

A communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including:

a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus; and

a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index;

in which the high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

(10)

The communication apparatus as stated in paragraph (9) above, in which, after the low-level layer has detected an error or after notification is received of the receipt of the NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus, the high-level layer communication processing section prohibits the use of a current read operation at the start of the next transfer following recovery of communication by the low-level layer.

(11)

A communication method for use with a communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control, of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication method including:

causing the governing communication apparatus to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

(12)

A program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication process including:

causing the computer to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

(13)

A communication system including:

a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus; and

a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication in a manner connected with and controlled by the governing communication apparatus;

in which the subordinate communication apparatus includes:

-   -   a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing         communication apparatus via the bus; and     -   a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the         low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an         index;

the high-level layer includes:

-   -   a high-level layer communication processing section configured         to determine status of the index when requested to be accessed         for a read operation by the governing communication apparatus;         and     -   a high-level layer error handling section configured to control         the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the         basis of the status of the index and to neglect all         communication until at least communication is restarted or         stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level         layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when         performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the         governing communication apparatus;

the governing communication apparatus includes:

-   -   a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the         subordinate communication apparatus; and     -   a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the         low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an         index; and

the high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to clear the index inside and thereby to bring the index into an undefined state in a case where the low-level layer has detected an error or where notification is received of the receipt of a NACK response sent from the subordinate communication apparatus.

(14)

A communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including:

a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the governing communication apparatus; and

a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index;

in which the high-level layer includes:

-   -   a high-level layer communication processing section configured         to determine whether reception is made of write data having a         number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes         that can be written in a single send and receive operation; and     -   a high-level layer error handling section configured to control         the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the         basis of reception of the write data having the number of bytes         exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes and to neglect         all communication until at least communication is restarted or         stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level         layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when         performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the         governing communication apparatus.         (15)

The communication apparatus as stated in paragraph (14) above,

in which the high-level layer communication processing section is configured to determine whether a request is made to read data having a number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation; and

on the basis of the request to read the data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes, the high-level layer error handling section is configured to forcibly terminate transfer using a T bit.

(16)

A communication method for use with a communication apparatus that performs communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication method including:

causing the subordinate communication apparatus to determine whether reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation; and

causing the subordinate communication apparatus to control the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of reception of the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes and to neglect all communication until at least communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

(17)

A program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus performing communication in a manner subordinate to and controlled by a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus, the subordinate communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing communication apparatus via the bus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication process including:

causing the computer to determine whether reception is made of write data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be written in a single send and receive operation; and

causing the computer to control the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the basis of reception of the write data having the number of bytes exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes and to neglect all communication until at least communication is restarted or stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the governing communication apparatus.

(18)

A communication apparatus that controls communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including:

a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus; and

a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index;

in which the high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the high-level layer communication processing section being further configured in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before transmitting a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

(19)

A communication method for use with a communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication method including:

causing the governing communication apparatus to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the governing communication apparatus being further caused in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before transmitting a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

(20)

A program for causing a computer of a communication apparatus to perform a communication process, the communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus in a governing manner, the governing communication apparatus including a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication under control of the governing communication apparatus and a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an index, the communication process including:

causing the computer to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the computer being further caused in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before transmitting a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

(21)

A communication system including: a governing communication apparatus controlling communication via a bus; and

a subordinate communication apparatus performing communication in a manner connected with and controlled by the governing communication apparatus;

in which the subordinate communication apparatus includes:

-   -   a low-level layer configured to communicate with the governing         communication apparatus via the bus; and     -   a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the         low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an         index;

the high-level layer includes:

-   -   a high-level layer communication processing section configured         to determine whether reception is made of write data having a         number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes         that can be written in a single send and receive operation; and     -   a high-level layer error handling section configured to control         the low-level layer to detect occurrence of an error on the         basis of reception of the write data having the number of bytes         exceeding the maximum number of transfer bytes and to neglect         all communication until at least communication is restarted or         stopped by the governing communication apparatus, the low-level         layer being further controlled to send a NACK response when         performing acknowledge processing on a signal sent from the         governing communication apparatus;

the governing communication apparatus includes:

-   -   a low-level layer configured to communicate via the bus with the         subordinate communication apparatus performing communication         under control of the governing communication apparatus; and     -   a high-level layer configured to be hierarchically above the         low-level layer and to read and write data in accordance with an         index; and

the high-level layer includes a high-level layer communication processing section configured to detect an error in a case of receiving read data having a number of bytes exceeding a maximum number of transfer bytes that can be read in a single send and receive operation, the high-level layer communication processing section being further configured in that case to clear the index and to terminate communication before transmitting a restart or a stop to recover the subordinate communication apparatus from the error.

The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to those discussed above. The embodiments may be modified, altered, or improved in diverse fashion within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Also, the advantageous effects stated in this description are only examples and not limitative of the present technology that may also provide other advantages.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   11 I3C bus -   12 I3C master -   13 I3C slave -   14 Data signal line -   15 Clock signal line -   16 CCI master -   17 I3C driver -   18 CCI slave -   21 I3C communication system -   22 Master device -   23 Slave device -   31 Error handling section -   32 ACK verifying section -   41 I3C (SDR) processing section -   42 I3C (DDR) processing section -   43 Error handling section -   51 CCI (I3C SDR) processing section -   52 CCI (I3C DDR) processing section -   61 CCI (I3C SDR) processing section -   62 CCI (I3C DDR) processing section -   63 Error handling section -   71 Acknowledge processing section -   72 Write reception processing section -   73 CCC reception processing section -   74 Read reception processing section -   75 HDR start processing section -   76 Error handling section -   81 DDR write processing section -   82 DDR read processing section -   83 DDR acknowledge processing section -   84 Error handling section 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A master communication device comprising: an improved inter integrated circuitry configured to communicate with a slave communication device via a bus, the master communication device controlling the communication between the slave communication device and the master communication device, and detect an error; and a camera control interface configured to communicate with the improved inter integrated circuitry, read and write data in accordance with an index, receive a notification from the improved inter integrated circuitry, the notification being indicative of the error detected by the improved inter integrated circuitry, and clear the index based on the notification.
 2. The master communication device according to claim 1, wherein the improved inter integrated circuitry is further configured to receive a NACK response from the slave communication device, and wherein the camera control interface is further configured to receive a second notification from the improved inter integrated circuitry, the second notification being indicative of the NACK response received by the improved inter integrated circuitry, and clear the index based on the second notification.
 3. The master communication device according to claim 2, wherein the camera control interface is further configured to prohibit use of a current read operation in response to receiving the notification or the second notification.
 4. A slave communication device comprising: an improved inter integrated circuitry configured to communicate with a master communication device via a bus, the master communication device controlling communication between the slave communication device and the master communication device; and a camera control interface configured to communicate with the improved inter integrated circuitry, read and write data in accordance with an index, receive a request to access the index for a read operation from the master communication device, determine a status of the index based on the request from the master communication device, control the improved inter integrated circuitry to detect an occurrence of an error, clear the index based on the occurrence of the error, detect a signal from the master communication device while the index is clear, ignore data from the master communication device until a start condition or a restart condition is received in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the index is clear, and control the improved inter integrated circuitry to communicate a NACK response to the master communication device in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the index is clear.
 5. The slave communication device according to claim 4, wherein the improved inter integrated circuitry includes a write reception processing circuitry configured to receive write data sent from the master communication device, and send the write data to the camera control interface; and an error handling circuitry, and wherein, to control the improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the error, the camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect an occurrence of a parity error in the write data, and notify the camera control interface that the parity error has occurred.
 6. The slave communication device according to claim 5, wherein the improved inter integrated circuitry further includes a read reception processing circuitry configured to receive read data from the camera control interface, and send the read data that is received from the camera control interface to the master communication device, and wherein, to control the improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the error, the camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect that the read data that is sent does not match the signal on the bus, and notify the camera control interface of the occurrence of the error.
 7. The slave communication device according to claim 5, wherein, to control the improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the error, the camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect the start condition or the restart condition sent from the master communication device, detect a first word after the start condition or the restart condition is sent from the master communication device, the first word being one of a prohibited address or a read command addressed to all slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the camera control interface of the occurrence of the error.
 8. The slave communication device according to claim 5, wherein, to control the improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the error, the camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect the occurrence of the parity error in a common command code that is broadcast to one slave communication device connected to the bus or a plurality of slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the camera control interface of the occurrence of the error.
 9. The slave communication device according to claim 5, wherein the error handling circuitry is configured to receive a common command code that is broadcast to one slave communication device connected to the bus or a plurality of slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the camera control interface of the occurrence of the error during processing in accordance with the common command code.
 10. A communication system comprising: a bus; a slave communication device; and a master communication device, the master communication device controlling communication between the slave communication device and the master communication device, the master communication device including an improved inter integrated circuitry configured to communicate with the slave communication device via the bus, the master communication device controlling communication between the slave communication device and the master communication device, and detect an error; and a camera control interface configured to communicate with the improved inter integrated circuitry, read and write data in accordance with an index, receive a notification from the improved inter integrated circuitry, the notification being indicative of the error detected by the improved inter integrated circuitry, and clear the index based on the notification.
 11. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein the improved inter integrated circuitry is further configured to receive a NACK response from the slave communication device, and wherein the camera control interface is further configured to receive a second notification from the improved inter integrated circuitry, the second notification being indicative of the NACK response received by the improved inter integrated circuitry, and clear the index based on the second notification.
 12. The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the camera control interface is further configured to prohibit use of a current read operation in response to receiving the notification or the second notification.
 13. The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the slave communication device includes a second improved inter integrated circuitry configured to communicate with the master communication device via the bus; and a second camera control interface configured to communicate with the second improved inter integrated circuitry, read and write data in accordance with a second index, receive a request to access the second index for a read operation from the master communication device, determine a status of the second index based on the request from the master communication device, control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to detect an occurrence of a second error, clear the second index based on the occurrence of the second error, detect a signal from the master communication device while the second index is clear, ignore data from the master communication device until a start condition or a restart condition is received in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the second index is clear, and control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to communicate the NACK response to the master communication device in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the second index is clear.
 14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the second improved inter integrated circuitry includes a write reception processing circuitry configured to receive write data sent from the master communication device, and send the write data to the second camera control interface; and an error handling circuitry, and wherein, to control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the second error, the second camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect an occurrence of a parity error in the write data, and notify the second camera control interface that the parity error has occurred.
 15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the second improved inter integrated circuitry further includes a read reception processing circuitry configured to receive read data from the second camera control interface, and send the read data that is received from the second camera control interface to the master communication device, and wherein, to control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the second error, the second camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect that the read data that is sent does not match the signal on the bus, and notify the second camera control interface of the occurrence of the second error.
 16. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein, to control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the second error, the second camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect the start condition or the restart condition sent from the master communication device, detect a first word after the start condition or the restart condition is sent from the master communication device, the first word being one of a prohibited address or a read command addressed to all slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the second camera control interface of the occurrence of the second error.
 17. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein, to control the second improved inter integrated circuitry to detect the occurrence of the second error, the second camera control interface is further configured to control the error handling circuitry to detect the occurrence of the parity error in a common command code that is broadcast to one slave communication device connected to the bus or a plurality of slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the second camera control interface of the occurrence of the second error.
 18. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the error handling circuitry is configured to receive a common command code that is broadcast to one slave communication device connected to the bus or a plurality of slave communication devices connected to the bus, and notify the second camera control interface of the occurrence of the error during processing in accordance with the common command code.
 19. A communication method comprising: controlling, with an improved inter integrated circuitry of a master communication device, communication with a slave communication device via a bus; detecting, with the improved inter integrated circuitry, an error; receiving, with a camera control interface of the master communication device, a notification from the improved inter integrated circuitry, the notification being indicative of the error detected by the improved inter integrated circuitry; and clearing, with the camera control interface, an index based on the notification.
 20. A communication method comprising: receiving, with a camera control interface of a slave communication device, a request to access an index for a read operation from a master communication device via a bus, the master communication device controlling the communication between the slave communication device and the master communication device; controlling, with the camera control interface, an improved inter integrated circuitry to detect an occurrence of an error, clearing, with the camera control interface, the index based on the occurrence of the error; detecting, with the camera control interface, a signal from the master communication device while the index is clear; ignoring, with the camera control interface, data from the master communication device until a start condition or a restart condition is received in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the index is clear; and controlling, with the camera control interface, the improved inter integrated circuitry to communicate a NACK response to the master communication device in response to detecting the signal from the master communication device while the index is clear. 